REGION III REGIONAL RESPONSE TEAM ANNUAL · PDF filea. RRT III Meetings: ... b. Coast Guard Incidents: ... EPA Region III has recognized the Pamunkey Indian Tribe (of Virginia) as

Region III Regional Response Team Annual Report to the NRT January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015

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REGION III REGIONAL RESPONSE TEAM ANNUAL REPORT

January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015 SECTION .............................................................................................................................................. Page

1. MAJOR ACTIVITIES: ..................................................................................................................... 2

a. RRT III Meetings: ......................................................................................................................... 2

b. Agenda, Minutes, and Presentations: ............................................................................................ 2

c. Teleconference Calls: .................................................................................................................... 2

2. MAJOR INCIDENTS: ...................................................................................................................... 3

a. EPA Incidents: .............................................................................................................................. 3

b. Coast Guard Incidents: .................................................................................................................. 7

3. EXERCISES and OUTREACH ...................................................................................................... 13

a. EPA Participation:....................................................................................................................... 13

b. U.S. Coast Guard Exercise Participation: ................................................................................... 15

4. STATUS OF THE REGIONAL CONTINGENCY PLAN (RCP) ................................................. 20

5. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDED OR PLANS REVIEWED. ......................................... 21

a. Region 3 Inland Area Committee (R3IAC): ............................................................................... 21

b. Coastal Area Committee Accomplishments: .............................................................................. 21

6. TRAINING. .................................................................................................................................... 24

a. EPA Training: ............................................................................................................................. 24

b. U.S. Coast Guard Training: ......................................................................................................... 24

c. RRT III Meeting Training: .......................................................................................................... 26

7. ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES. ................................................................................................ 28

8. WORKGROUP ACCOMPLISHMENTS. ...................................................................................... 29

a. Inland Area Committee (IAC): ................................................................................................... 29

b. Information Management Workgroup: ....................................................................................... 29

c. Spill Response Countermeasures Workgroup: ............................................................................ 29

d. Training Workgroup: .................................................................................................................. 30

e. Wildlife Response Workgroup: .................................................................................................. 30

f. Outreach Workgroup: ................................................................................................................. 30

g. Natural Resource Damage Assessment Workgroup (NRDA): ................................................... 30

h. Executive Committee .................................................................................................................. 31

9. FUTURE PLANS - RRT III MEETINGS: ..................................................................................... 32

10. RECOMMENDATIONS AND OTHER ACTIONS: ................................................................. 33

11. REMARKS: ................................................................................................................................ 34

a. Concurrence: ............................................................................................................................... 34

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................................ 35


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1. MAJOR ACTIVITIES: a. RRT III Meetings:

• May 19-21, 2015 – Region III Regional Response Team (RRT III) Meeting, Virginia Beach, VA

• November 17-19, 2015 – RRT III Meeting, Charleston, WV

b. Agenda, Minutes, and Presentations: • All agendas, meeting minutes, and presentations are attached as well as posted to the

RRT III Website (https://nrtqa.ert.org/site/contact_list.aspx?site_id=35).

c. Teleconference Calls: • March 26, 2015 – RRT III Membership Interim Conference Call • August 25, 2015 – RRT III Membership Interim Conference Call • All agendas, meeting minutes, and presentations are attached as well as posted to the

RRTIII Website (https://nrtqa.ert.org/site/contact_list.aspx?site_id=35).

https://nrtqa.ert.org/site/contact_list.aspx?site_id=35



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2. MAJOR INCIDENTS: a. EPA Incidents:

(1) The number of notifications received by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region III into the Emergency Response Notification System for this reporting period is 1,573. The following is a breakdown by state for Fiscal Year and Calendar Year:

STATE FY2015 CALENDAR YEAR District of Columbia: 26 24 Delaware: 47 47 Maryland: 199 199 Pennsylvania: 789 634 Virginia: 466 378 West Virginia: 354 291

TOTAL 1,881 1,573*

*The difference in total number of records results from omitting "out of region" notifications.

(2) 12 EPA Emergency Responses were started in Calendar Year 2015:

PROJECT NAME (EPA Account #; FPN number)

LOCATION START DATE

1. George Mason University Fuel Oil Spill (#15006) Fairfax, VA 01/20/2015

2. Conestoga Mercury (#15008) Conestoga, PA 02/04/2015

3. Virginia American Water Company (#15009; E15307) Hopewell, VA 03/03/2015

4. McCandless Fuel Site (#15015) Haverton, PA 04/30/2015

5. Norristown Carbon Monoxide Response (#15017) Norristown, PA 05/08/2015

6. Interstate 79, Mile Marker 156 Diesel Spill (#15018) Morgantown, WV 05/09/2015

7. Regional Enterprises Asphalt Spill (#15019; E15311) Hopewell, VA 05/18/2015

8. Newark Laboratory / Dugway Anthrax Cleanup (#15034) Newark, DE 06/02/2015

9. Benwood Mine Everfloc Release (#15027) Benwood, WV 06/13/2015

10. Waverly Tire Fire (#15030) Waverly, VA 08/04/2015

11. Lyon Oil Company Reassessment (#16006) Madison, WV 11/20/2016

12. Mineral School Fire Emergency Response (#16008) Mineral, VA 11/27/2015

(3) 21 Removal Assessments were performed in Calendar Year 2015; STATE FY 2015 CALENDAR YEAR

District of Columbia: 0 0 Delaware: 0 0 Maryland: 0 2 Pennsylvania: 8 9 Virginia: 1 3 West Virginia: 4 7

TOTAL 13 21


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(4) The EPA Superfund Removal Assessment Projects started in Calendar Year 2015 include:


LOCATION START DATE

1. Meadowbrook Avenue Vapor Intrusion Site (#15007) Hatboro, PA 01/30/2015

2. Asbestos Dumping (windshield) (#15025) Ridgeley, WV 03/24/2015

3. Krouts Creek (#15013) Huntington, WV 04/02/2015

4. Mercury Assessment (windshield) (#15014) Mechanicsburg, PA 04/01/2015

5. Sparrows Point Offshore (#15020) Sparrows Point, MD 05/27/2015

6. Lee Street East Mercury Assessment (#15021) Charleston, WV 05/29/2015

7. Miller Chemical Release & Fire (#15022) Hanover, PA 06/11/2015

8. Route 2 VOC (#15024) Weirton, WV 06/27/2015

9. Catlett & Sons Lumber Company (#15026) Fredericksburg, MD 07/08/2015

10. Midway Cleaners (#15028) Wyoming, PA 07/21/2015

11. North Penn Area 6 (#15032) Borough of Landsdale, Montgomery County, PA

07/23/2015

12. Brooklyn Township Air Sampling Event (#15029) Brooklyn Township, PA 08/17/2015

13. Railroad TCE Site (#15031) Northampton, PA 08/19/2015

14. Hazleton Clandestine Labs (#15033) West Hazleton, PA 08/24/2015

15. RIC PCB Site (#16002) Roanoke, VA 09/04/2015

16. Former Easter Motors (#16003) Milton, WV

17. Manassas Formaldehyde (#16004) Manassas, VA

18. Pound Buried Waste Assessment (#16007) Pound, VA 10/01/2015

19. Kinan Corporation Assessment (#16005) Nitro, WV 10/28/2015

20. Cacapon, WV Windshield Assessment (#16001) Great Cacapon, WV 11/3/2015

21. Mercury House – Windshield Assessment (#16010) Bethlehem, PA 12/28/2015

(5) 8 EPA Removals were completed in Calendar Year 2015: PROJECT NAME

(EPA Account #; FPN number) LOCATION DATE CLOSED

1. Chartiers Avenue PCB Assessment (#15036) Canonsburg, PA 09/15/2015

2. Middletown Airfield (#15004) Middletown, PA 07/16/2015

3. Asbestos Dumping (windshield) (#15025) Ridgeley, WV 03/24/2015

4. Mercury Assessment (windshield) (#15014) Mechanicsburg, PA 04/01/2015

5. Hazleton Clandestine Labs (#15033) West Hazleton, PA 08/27/2015

6. Catlett & Sons Lumber Company (#15026) Fredericksburg, MD 09/02/2015

7. Cacapon, WV Windshield Assessment (#16001) Great Cacapon, WV 11/03/2015

8. Midway Cleaners (#15028) Wyoming, PA 12/08/2015


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(6) 19 EPA Oil Pollution Act of 1990 Projects were started in Calendar Year 2015: PROJECT NAME

(EPA Account #; FPN number) LOCATION START DATE STATUS

1. Woodford Diesel Spill (E15303) White Sulphur, WV 01/24/2015 Completed

2. Tuscarora Oil Site - RESTART (E15308) Solebury Township, PA 03/11/2015 Open/Ongoing

3. CSX Mt. Carbon Crude Derailment (E15304) Mount Carbon, WV 2/16/2015 Open/Ongoing

4. 1485 Kinzua Road (E15305) Warren, PA 02/15/2015 Open/Ongoing

5. Virginia American Water Company (#15009; E15307) Hopewell, VA 02/16/2015 Completed

6. 24th Place Drums (E15309) Washington, DC 03/24/2015 Completed

7. Burdett Pipeline (E15310) Charleston, WV 04/03/2015 Open/Ongoing

8. Regional Enterprises Asphalt Release (E15311) Hopewell, VA 05/18/2014 Open/Ongoing

9. Club Hollow Road Tanker Diesel Fuel Spill (#15023) Poolesville, MD 06/25/2015 07/22/2015 PRP Removal Action

10. Wagner Street Mystery Spill (E15312) Wheeling, WV 07/10/2014 Open/Ongoing

11. Muskingum Island (E15313) Near Boaz, WV 07/10/2014 Open/Ongoing

12. Locomotive Derailment (E15314) Dublin, VA 07/14/2015 Completed

13. Colonial Pipeline Spill (E15315) Centerville, VA 09/22/2015 Open/Ongoing

14. PEPCO Rock Creek Mineral Oil Spill (#15035) Washington, DC 09/04/2015 09/08/2015

15. Lyon Oil Company Reassessment (#16006) Madison, WV 11/20/2015

16. Pullman Area 1 (E16301) Pullman, WV 10/24/2015 Open/Ongoing

17. Mays No. 1 (E16302) Johnstown, WV 11/04/2015 Open/Ongoing

18. Newport Gap Pike Oil Spill (E14305) Cochranville, PA 11/09/2015 OPA 90

19. Cabin Creek Spill (E16304) Cabin Creek, WV 12/22/2015

(7) 13 EPA Oil Pollution Act of 1990 Projects were completed in Calendar Year 2015:


LOCATION COMPLETION DATE

1. Warm Springs Creek Oil Spill (E15301) Berkeley Spring, WV 04/10/2015

2. Tardie Boyd Bio Diesel (E15302) Washington, DC 02/24/2015

3. 24th Place Drums (#744; E15309) Washington, DC 03/25/2015

4. Woodford Diesel (E15303) White Sulphur, WV 04/15/2015

5. Virginia American Water Company (#15009; E15307) Hopewell, VA 09/09/2015

6. Silver Creek Well (E12305) Walley Mill, PA 05/05/2015

7. Component Enterprise (E14310) Norristown, PA 06/01/2015

8. Club Hallow Road Tanker Diesel Fuel Spill (#15023) Poolesville, MD 07/22/2015 (PRP Removal Action)

9. Locomotive Derailment (E15314) Dublin, VA 07/15/2015

10. PEPCO Rock Creek Mineral Oil Spill (#15035) Washington, DC 09/08/2015

11. Lehman Sunoco Gas (FPN 05-8010) Lehman, PA 07/10/2015

12. Farm and Home (E06307) Lower Macungie Township, PA 08/20/2015

13. Cairo Road 80617 (E14301) Cairo, WV 10/14/2015


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(8) Significant Milestones for EPA Region III in 2015 NAME DESCRIPTION DATE

Pocono Indy Car 500 Raceway Predeployment

This event was used as a dry run of equipment and personnel for the Papal visit and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Road World Championship events.

22-23 August 2015

NSSE Papal Visit EPA Region III participated in the planning and security implementation efforts for the National Special Security Event (NSSE) for the visit of Pope Francis to Philadelphia, PA and Washington, DC. Several of the EPA Region III OSCs were extensively involved in the months-long planning efforts for the Papal visit under various capacities.

September 2015

UCI Road World Championships

EPA Region III members participated in the planning and in the EOC for the UCI Road World Championship Bike Races held in Richmond, VA. This event included 12 different races and more than 500,000 attendees. EPA deployed ASPECT Aircraft overflight to monitor for radiation during the race.

19-27 September 2015

Executive Order (EO) 16350: Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security

The EO required OSHA, DHS, and EPA to coordinate and share information to ensure that they work together on chemical safety and security for facilities. EPA Region III has created a regional working groups that has a Tri-chair with EPA, OSHA, and DHS to address the requirements of EO16350. The goal is to improve operational coordination with and support to State and local partners; enhance Federal agency coordination and information sharing; modernize policies, regulations, and standards; and work with stakeholders to identify best practices. The three agencies have developed a Standard Operating Guide (SOG), which the membership reviewed and submitted to the National Office on September 6, 2015. The agencies continue to build their relationships with industry and provide training for LEPCs, Coast Guard (CG) (Inspection Units), chemical facilities, and Emergency Responders. The Tri-Chairs will continue to meet quarterly and welcome participation by other agencies.

2014 – Present, ongoing

EPA Region III Inland Area Contingency Plan Update

A full-day, Tabletop exercise was conducted for the Inland Area Contingency Plan during the November RRT3 Meeting held in Charleston, WV.

November 17, 2015

The Pamunkey Indian Tribe

EPA Region III has recognized the Pamunkey Indian Tribe (of Virginia) as a federally recognized partner within the Region III Regional Response Team. Invitations to the tribe requesting coordination, interaction, outreach and education, and participation in the Region III RRT have been issued. Because the Pamunkey tribal lands are in the inland zone, they fall under the EPA response authority.

July 2015, ongoing

DRAFT Memorandum of Agreement between EPA Region III and CG District 8

EPA Region III revised and updated the Memorandum of Agreement with the CG District 8 on the response boundaries in the inland area. The intent of the DRAFT MOA is to delineate the Region 3 inland zone geographical boundaries establishing responsibility for the pre-designation of OSCs for pollution response.

2015

EPA Planning for Rail Transport Responses in the Inland Zone

EPA Region III has undertaken planning for rail transport responses and has developed a booklet on Preparedness Initiatives in Crude by Rail Transport: Federal Resources to Support Crude by Rail Preparedness Initiatives (available from https://info.publicintelligence.net/DHS-DOT-EPA-CrudeTransportPreparedness.pdf). The document provides a summary of the existing resources for incident planning and response, including exercises and training that will enhance preparedness and response across the whole crude by rail transportation community.

April 2015, ongoing

https://info.publicintelligence.net/DHS-DOT-EPA-CrudeTransportPreparedness.pdf



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b. Coast Guard Incidents: The following is a breakdown by sector for Fiscal Year and Calendar Year:

(1) Significant Milestones for CG Region III in 2015

Sector Hampton Roads

• Incident responses of note in 2015 include:

NAME DESCRIPTION DATE

T/V TUG HOSS (Potential Medium Spill) Elizabeth River Norfolk, VA

Sector Hampton Roads was notified that the TUG HOSS struck the fueling pier at Kinder Morgan Money Point. When Sector personnel arrived on scene, there was apparent damage to the pier and to the fuel transfer area causing fuel to drip every few seconds into a secondary containment area. There was no damage reportedly done to the vessel. A slight sheen was observed in the vicinity of the pier, but it could not be determined whether it came from the transfer area. Crews from Kinder Morgan began repairs to secure the leak and pumped out the secondary containment area. Kinder Morgan’s fuel transfer pier remained shut down until repairs were made and the lines tested.

June 24, 2015

M/V BIGBI (Actual Minor Spill) Little Creek Norfolk, VA

Sector Hampton Roads received a report that the 48-foot vessel BIGBI sank with 600 gallons of diesel on board 1 mile northwest of Little Creek jetty. No pollution was observed; however, Crofton Diving was hired to plug the fuel vents and to mark the sunken vessel with a buoy and light. On 08 June, the duty PR was notified that the insurance company was refusing to pay for salvage, so the decision was made federalize the response. On 09 June, Norfolk Marine Police reported fuel leaking from the BIGBI; therefore, a pollution responder went underway with Station Little Creek to the vessel’s position. No sheen was observed but an odor of diesel was noted. When salvage operations were being conducted on 11 June, a rainbow sheen was observed while the vessel was being placed on a barge. Containment boom was deployed and the sheen dissipated naturally.

June 6, 2015

Hopewell Oil Spill (Actual Minor Spill) James River Hopewell, VA

Sector Hampton Roads responded to a 600-800-gallon diesel still at Virginia American Water Station, Hopewell, VA, impacting the water treatment supply and capabilities of the City of Hopewell. CG responders provided expertise to City of Hopewell, EPA, RP, VDH and VDEQ to coordinate cleanup efforts.

March 3-5, 2015

M/V HANJIN MIAMI (Potential Minor Spill) James River Norfolk, VA

Sector Hampton Roads oversaw the cleanup operations of a 3,000-gallon #6 fuel oil spill on the inside of the vessel. During maintenance operations a fuel flow meter was removed that allowed 3,000 gallons of #6 fuel oil to discharge into the cargo hold. Sector Hampton Roads coordinated with NSB Shipping Company Representative, the Vessel's Master, O'Brien's Group, and HEPACO to manage cleanup efforts in the cargo holds and the decontamination of over 20 cargo containers. This operation tested the response capabilities of the contracted OSRO as well as the ability of the Port to provide adequate pier space for the operations to be conducted. The OSRO faced many difficulties in pumping the cooled fuel oil and residues approximately 200 feet vertically.

March 25-31, 2015


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Sector Delaware Bay



Abandoned Facility, Delaware River, Pennsauken, NJ

On May 4, 2015, Sector Delaware Bay received a report that an inactive fixed facility in Pennsauken, NJ, discharged an estimated 1,000 gallons of heavy oil into the Delaware River from a damaged relief valve under the facility's barge dock. During the investigation, Coast Guard Incident Management Division Pollution Responders (IMD PRs) and NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) personnel found that the spill was larger than originally reported with multiple shorelines affected. SCAT duties were performed jointly by MER, NJ DEP, and the responsible party (RP), and the discharged oil was removed from the water and shoreline. Additional investigation revealed that the pipelines leading to both the barge and ship docks along the Delaware River contained a substantial amount of product that still posed an immediate threat to the navigable waters if another breach occurred in the pipelines. An Oil Pollution Act (OPA) Administrative Order was issued to the RP to remove all product from the lines leading to the ship and barge docks. By 08 Jan 2016, the RP removed all remaining product within the pipelines that posed an immediate threat to adjacent navigable waters. Upon meeting the requirements of the OPA Administrative Order, jurisdictional authority was transferred to EPA Region II OSC. Inland oil contamination removal operations continue at the facility

May 4, 2015

Sunken Vessel, Mystic Island, NJ

On June 29, 2015, Sector Delaware Bay received an NRC report that a vessel sank at a private residence and discharged oil into the Mystic Island waterway. IMD-PRs responded to the incident and made multiple attempts to contact the RP with negative results. The OSLTF was opened for $10,000 and the OSRO recovered 260 gallons of oily water. Three bags of sorbent boom were deployed and all other hazardous substances were removed from the vessel and disposed of in accordance with state and federal hazardous waste regulations. The vessel remains at the dock with no further pollution threat.

June 29, 2015

Mystery Sheen, Cape May, NJ

On October 08, 2015, Sector Delaware Bay received an NRC report of a mystery sheen in Mud Hen Creek, a tributary of the Cape May Harbor, Cape May, NJ. IMD-PRs responded and estimated that 10 gallons of waste oil spilled into Mud Hen Creek. While they were on-scene, they obtained oil samples from all potential RPs. The oil spill impacted two Commercial Fishing Vessels, a crane deck barge, and 10 recreational vessels throughout several tide cycles. The OSLTF was opened for $25,000 and the OSRO recovered 350 bags of oily debris, which were disposed of in accordance with state and federal hazardous waste regulations. Oil sampling results were inconclusive.

October 8, 2015


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Sector Baltimore

• In April 2016, Sector Baltimore will be known as Sector Maryland and the National Capitol Region (NCR) and encompasses the lands and waters of Maryland and the NCR. A boundary change will be posted in the Federal Register.



Buckeye Terminal (Actual Minor Spill) Baltimore, MD Sector Baltimore

On January 26, 2015, approximately 140 gallons of red dye concentrate was discharged into Curtis Creek, a U.S. navigable waterway, from a storage tank due to tank failure. The discharge created visible rainbow sheen on the surface of the water. The cause of the tank failure was believed to be overflow from a diesel pipe that fed into the tank. Under normal circumstances, the two valves leading into the tank from the diesel piping system would be closed; however, for unknown reasons, these valves were left open. Miller Environmental Group and HEPACO were hired to conduct the cleanup operations. A Notice of Violation was issued to the facility in the amount of $500.

January 26, 2015

M/V SICHEM MELBOURNE (OWS Bypass) Baltimore, MD Sector Baltimore

On April 15, 2015, the Port State Control Department requested an Incident Management Team to assist on board the M/V SICHEM MELBOURNE and take oil samples due to a suspected oily water separator bypass. Once on board the vessel, IMD extracted twenty samples from multiple locations on the vessel to prove oil was being discharged illegally. Department of Justice prosecuted the case and members of the crew were found guilty of criminal charges.

April 15, 2015

Clinton Street (Actual Minor Spill) Baltimore, MD Sector Baltimore

On May 06, 2015, Sector Baltimore received a report of an unknown sheen located at the Clinton Street Outfall. The outfall has been an ongoing incident location over the past few years involving an oil saturated site that had continued to leach oil into a storm drain. There have been multiple issues with determining a responsible party for the oil located at this site during past incidents. However, during the response to this discharge, Exxon, the legacy owner, assumed responsibility and hired Clean Venture to conduct cleanup operations. During the investigation, previously undiscovered abandoned oil pipes were found underground and full of oil. This oil was believed to be the cause of the multiple discharges from the Clinton Street Outfall, and has since been removed. Exxon will continue to monitor the site and maintain the containment boom around the outfall, in the event of further discharges.

May 6, 2015

Raven Power (Actual Medium Spill) Middle River, MD Sector Baltimore

On June 18, 2015 Sector Baltimore received a report of a discharge of 3,000 gallons of lube oil from the CP Cranes Generating Station in Middle River, Maryland, onto the waters of Seneca Creek, a U.S. navigable waterway, creating sheen. Clean Venture and Miller Environmental were hired to conduct cleanup operations. Due to two layers of permanent hard boom, the majority of the product was collected and easily recovered with barrel skimmers and sorbent material. The final recovery amount was approximately 4,000 gallons of lube oil.

June 18, 2015


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Reagan Airport Jet Fuel Spill (Actual Medium) Arlington, VA Sector Baltimore

On October 29, 2015 at approximately 2,330 IMD personnel responded to a report of a discharge of an unknown amount of jet fuel from a storage tank at Reagan National Airport due to unknown causes. The OSLTF was opened and four strike team members assisted to conduct air monitoring during the course of the cleanup. Miller Environmental Group was hired to conduct cleanup operations at the outfall, where the residual jet fuel was being discharged into the Potomac River. Due to the thickness of the oil on the surface of the water and the water depth, it was determined that the best method of cleanup was to use sorbent pads and sweep to absorb as much recoverable product as possible and replace with new pads and sweep as necessary. After completion of the investigation, it was determined that approximately 13,620 gallons of jet fuel discharged. The discharge inadvertently caused the oily water separator on the system to be overrun due to a valve being left open on the storage tank system. This allowed jet fuel to leak into a nearby storm drain that feeds into the Potomac River via an outfall. Due to the amount discharged, a Civil Penalty is being processed against Allied Aviation.

October 29, 2015

Algae Bloom (N/A) Baltimore, MD Sector Baltimore

Throughout the month of December, IMD received multiple reports of what appeared to be an oil product on the surface of various waterways, but after arriving on scene to investigate, it was discovered to be algae. IMD has been in contact with MDE regarding each incident and the current conclusion is that due to warmer than usual weather, multiple algae blooms have appeared in Sector Baltimore’s AOR. These blooms were carried into multiple marinas and gave an appearance of a silvery sheen on the surface of the water. IMD will continue to observe these incidents and work with state and local organizations.

December 2015

Sector North Carolina

While Sector North Carolina is part of USCG District 5, their summary information for 2015 was submitted with Region 4 RRT Annual Report. Refer to the RRT4 2015 Annual Report for more details.


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Sector Buffalo

• The Republican National Convention (RNC) will be held in Cleveland in 18-21 July 2016. The area is already conducting advanced planning and developing necessary security measures for this event.



Good Friday Oil Spill (Major Inland Spill) Lake Erie Cleveland, OH

On April 3, 2015, Sector Buffalo received a report of an unknown sheen sighting at Forest City Yacht Club in Cleveland, OH. Upon arriving on scene, MSU Cleveland Field Activity Team (FAT) investigated and confirmed with Sector Buffalo that there was recoverable product filling the entire area of Forest City Yacht Club. MSU Cleveland federalized the case. The fund was opened for $50,000 and an OSRO was hired. Boom was launched at the entrance of the Yacht Club and was able to contain the oil. An Incident Command Post/Unified Command was set up involving the Sector Buffalo Deputy, Chief of Response, IMD Chief, Sector Buffalo Emergency Manager, and members from MSU Cleveland. Cleveland City Sewer was able to trace and confirm the source of the spill to be from an outfall connecting to the Cleveland Power Plant. The estimate of the release was 10,500 gallons, making this incident a Major Inland Spill. Upon further investigation, it was determined the release was from a tank in the basement of an abandoned part of the plant that had not been used in more than 20 years. Cleveland Public Power assumed Responsible Party and continued cleanup operations. Skimmers and vacuum trucks were utilized to assist in the cleanup, along with four members of the Atlantic Strike Team. Ohio State EPA, NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator, D9 DRAT, and the Cleveland Fire Department assisted in response operations.

April 3, 2015

Oily Water Separator (Minor Inland Spill) Niagara River Tonawanda, NY

On April 09, 2015 Sector Buffalo received an NRC report about an unknown sheen from an unknown source observed on the Niagara River. Sector Buffalo Pollution Responders and Station Buffalo launched a station Response Boat-Small to identify the sheen, which was traced to a source leading up river from Niagara River into Two Mile Creek. The source appeared to be runoff from cumulative winter buildup due to thawing ice/snow and recent rain. The sheen was light and widespread. An OSRO was hired by NYSDEC to boom the mouth of Two Mile Creek to prevent any further product from entering the Niagara River. EPA Region II, Sector Buffalo Pollution Responders, the City of Tonawanda, and NYSDEC located the source of the spill at a local small business operating without an oily water separator.

April 09, 2015

Waterfront Facility Fire (Minor Inland Spill) Cuyahoga River Cleveland, OH

MSU Cleveland responded to a waterfront facility fire at Shelley asphalt on the Cuyahoga River. The incident was determined to have been caused by operator error through improper discharge procedures in the facility's containment area. Approximately 500 tons (105,000 gal) of liquid asphalt was spilled during the initial incident. Station Cleveland set up a temporary safety zone around the facility. All of the liquid asphalt product was contained within the earthen dike and solidified, preventing impact to the waterway. The facility hired an excavation company to remove the solidified asphalt for recycling and a contractor to remove all affected water within the containment. Quick action taken by MSU, the local Fire Department, and the facility resulted in positive control and containment of the product, protecting the Cuyahoga River.

September 28, 2015

OSRO Spill (Minor Inland Spill) Erie Canal Tonawanda, NY

NYS DEC reported to Sector Buffalo that the Environmental Services Group (DEC Contractor) was transferring product at a facility in Tonawanda when 500 gallons of Hydraulic Oil was spilled onto the ground. Even though the Environmental Services Group, who is an OSRO, immediately began cleanups, heavy rain allowed the product to reach the Erie Canal. A sheen was present across the Erie Canal in Tonawanda NY, and Environmental Services Group completed cleanup using vacuum trucks and booming storm drains.

August 20, 2015


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MSU Huntington



CSX (Major spill) Kanawha River, WV, MM 89

On February 16, 2015, a CSX train derailed near Mt. Carbon, WV, with a potential of 3.4 million gallons of Bakken Crude oil to discharge into the Kanawha River. The Coast Guard Auxiliary promptly notified MSU Huntington, which dispatched responders to the scene. MSU Huntington federalized the case, opened the fund, and acted as the Federal On Scene Commander Representative for 4 days when the EPA took over the case. ICS was stood up and over 400 personnel responded to the incident, including the Coast Guard Strike Team. Despite extreme weather conditions and ice in the river, more than 8,032 gallons of oily water mixture and 9,400 tons of contaminated soil were recovered.

February 16-24, 2015

M/V ROBINSON OIL SPILL (Minor spill) Big Sandy River, WV, MM 3.2

On July 22, 2015, MSU Huntington received NRC report # 1123598 that .5 cup of motor oil was discharged into the Big Sandy River from a vessel. Caller reported a discharge of used engine oil due to the bilge pump being turned on causing the product to go overboard. Caller stated that the tank overfilled without the alarms going off, which caused the product to overflow onto the deck of the vessel and into the water. The Sheen length was reported to be 80 ft. long and of 1 ft. wide. Absorbent materials were initially applied to the spill. MSU Huntington personnel responded to the incident and discovered that the spill was substantially more than reported. The spill occurred during nighttime hours, and after the sun came up it was estimated that 110 gallons of oil had been discharged into the Big Sandy River. Marathon Stood up an Incident Command Post and deployed appropriate containment and recovery equipment. The cleanup took approximately 3 days to complete.

July 22, 2015

MSU Pittsburgh

• The majority of NRC reports received continue to be outside of Coast Guard jurisdiction. There were no medium or major oil spills within Coast Guard jurisdiction in the inland zone for 2015.

• MSU Pittsburgh had a meeting with the EPA to discuss the creation of an official sub-area committee for the updating of the RRT III Sub-Area Contingency Plan Volume VII.

• MSU Pittsburgh has partnered with EPA Region III and Region V to conduct joint Government Initiated Unannounced Exercises of joint jurisdictional regulated facilities.

• MSU Pittsburgh regularly meets with the Three Rivers Pollution Response Council (TRPRC) comprised of more than 50 member companies that include chemical and oil manufacturers, environmental contractors, barge towing and/or fleeting companies, and State and other Federal regulatory agencies. Through this group, a collaborative effort is made to provide mutual assistance, resources, and cooperation to respond to pollution on the rivers in the Pittsburgh COTP zone.

• MSU Pittsburgh and EPA met with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) to discuss PADEP’s response posture and capabilities. This was an opportunity for new Coast Guard personnel to meet PADEP personnel who conduct response operations.


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3. EXERCISES and OUTREACH

a. EPA Participation: NAME DESCRIPTION DATE

Region 3 Participates in Outreach Activities in Tidewater Virginia

On-Scene Coordinator participated in two separate training and exercise activities in the Tidewater Area:

• A full-scale methamphetamine laboratory training with Hazardous Materials Teams from Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk, VA.

• An Environmental Crimes course held in Norfolk the entire week, where the OSC discussed her role at EPA.

(Chris Wagner 804-337-3049)

Week of 16 March 2015

Colonial Pipeline Tabletop Exercise (TTX) in Fairfax, VA

The Office of Preparedness and Response, along with the D.C. Council of Governments (COG), conducted the initial planning conference with Colonial Pipeline for the June 3, 2015 tabletop exercise (TTX). The TTX objectives established include primarily the evaluation of Unified Command and its ability to coordinate response to catastrophic release of fuel to the Potomac River and its direct impact to the half dozen drinking water utilities. The utilities will be required to use their Emergency Response Plans and coordinate with their state emergency management offices and Unified Command. This TTX is a gap-specific evaluation of direct impact to utilities that service northern Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.

(Charlie Fitzsimmons, 410-305-3027)

March 11, 2015

Air Monitoring Training in Roanoke, VA

Region III, Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), and Weston Solutions provided a 3-day air monitoring class to the Roanoke-Salem Regional Hazmat Team in Roanoke, VA. The class was offered on three consecutive days to accommodate all three shifts. This 6-hour class included classroom and hands-on exercises, focusing on the air monitoring instruments of each Hazmat Team. Various topics were discussed, such as how each instrument works, their strengths and weaknesses, technical documents, and correction factors. Several action items were identified during the class, including the development of a calibration course and additional hands-on training opportunities and exercises.

(Miles Bartos, 215-814-3342)

Various

Chemical Warfare Agent Tabletop Exercise at Ft. McNair, Washington, D.C.

Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region (JFHQ-NCR) hosted a Chemical Warfare Agent tabletop exercise (TTX) in preparation for the Papal Visit to the NCR. This TTX was intended to test the readiness of Department of Defense assets within the NCR and the ability of JFHQ to coordinate with federal civilian assets. It was an action officer level exercise. The scenario involved a release of a persistent chemical agent at two locations in the D.C. area during a simulated National Special Security Event. The TTX was moderated by a professor and senior research fellow at the National Defense University. The Deputy Commander of JFQH-NCR was the command senior official for this exercise. A Region III On-Scene Coordinator participated as the Stafford Act Emergency Support Function 10 representative.

(Charlie Fitzsimmons, 410-305-3027)

September 08, 2015


Page 14 of 36

Terror Plot Exercise, Eight Counties in West Virginia

The Exercise focused on a terror plot to attack hospitals and critical infrastructures across the eight West Virginia Counties, with mock methamphetamine manufacturing laboratories as a funding source for the terrorists needs. Numerous HazMat scenarios took place across the Counties. The exercise focused on environmental response health/safety, field operations, and communication/coordination across the Counties. The exercise tested multi-county emergency response, public health and medical services interaction, law enforcement, and hospital patient decontamination.

(Don McLaughlin 215-814-5323)

September 19, 2015

Emergency Preparedness and Hazmat Response Conference, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Region III participated in this year’s Emergency Preparedness and Hazmat Response Conference in Valley Forge, PA. During the Chemical Emergency Preparedness Track, personnel from the Region gave presentations on several topics, such as the following:

• Emergency Planning Community Right-to-Know Act and Tier II Reporting • Toxic Release Inventory • Risk Management Program • Spill Prevention Countermeasures Controls and Facility Response Plan

Programs • Executive Order 13650 on Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security • EPA Chemical Emergency Preparedness Course Overview • Crude by Rail Emerging Issues and the Role of Area Planning • Funding Your Local Oil Cleanup.

October 20-22, 2015

Coordination with DHS and OSHA under EO 13650

The Region also assisted with the coordination of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) presentations, which include information on the DHS Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards and the OSHA Process Safety Management and Compliance Assistance Program .

(Kevin Daniel, 215-814-3247; Perry Pandya, 215-814-2167; Rich Fetzer, 215-341-6307; Melissa Linden [Region 5], 440-250-1734; Mike Towle, 215-814-3272; Vince Zenone, 215-814-3267; and Laura Casillas, 215-814-3253)

Various

EPA Region III Inland Area Contingency Plan Exercise

The Region III Inland Area Committee conducted a Tabletop exercise in Charleston, WV to exercise the IACP. The objectives of this an all-day tabletop exercise included:

• Determine quality/accuracy of information within the IACP • Determine effectiveness of IACP information access & delivery • IACP - [available from http://www.epaosc.org/site/site_profile.aspx?site_id=2037]

o Volume I – Introduction, Federal Response, & State / Commonwealth Response

o Volume IX – Huntington / Central West Virginia Sub-Area Contingency Plan

County Fact sheets o EPA Region III IACP Planning Dashboard (Viewer)

• Evaluation & Hot Wash for Lessons Learned / IACP Updates

November 17, 2015

https://www.osha.gov/

http://www.epaosc.org/site/site_profile.aspx?site_id=2037

http://www.epaosc.org/site/site_profile.aspx?site_id=2037


Page 15 of 36

b. U.S. Coast Guard Exercise Participation: (1) Sector Hampton Roads:


2015 Quarterly PREP Notification Drills

Each quarter the Sector initiated a Notification Drill. The objectives of the Preparedness for Response Exercise Program (PREP) were as follows: 1. Ensure contact by telephone or e-mail is made and confirmed between the

CG-FOSC and key elements of the unified command. 2. Ensure that the key elements of the unified command know whom to call in the

event of a discharge within the area. 3. Identify procedural improvements to the process. Objectives were met.

Quarterly

ACP PREP Full Scale Exercise (FSE), 2015.

This exercise was conducted on September 21-25, 2015. Sector Hampton Roads partnered with the U.S. Navy and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to design an exercise to meet the PREP requirements. Sector personnel filled various roles. The objectives of the PREP exercise were as follows: 1. Validate CNRMA Consolidated Regional Facility Response Plan (FRP) and

Area Contingency Plan (ACP. 2. Demonstrate the ability to assemble the spill response organization identified

in the CNRMA Consolidated Regional FRP and ACP. 3. Demonstrate the ability to operate within an Incident Command System. 4. Develop operational strategies and tactics to demonstrate Tier 1 Worse Case

Discharge capability. 5. Demonstrate the ability to establish an intra-organization communications

system. 6. Establish a Joint Information Center. 7. Assess the ability to establish an Incident Command Post. 8. Demonstrate the ability to establish a Marine Transportation System

Recovery Unit to assess and report the impact. 9. Test the booming strategies as identified in GRP. Objectives were met.

September 21-25, 2015

03 Government Initiated Unannounced Exercises (GIUE) completed this year, most notably was the NuSTAR GIUE

This exercise was conducted on December 8, 2015. Unfortunately the GIUE concluded with NUSTAR, a small facility in Virginia Beach, receiving an unsatisfactory mark. Several issues were pre-identified by our facilities team. Upon initiating the drill, safety concerns were quickly identified and had to be addressed. Normally the facility has two people on hand during a transfer; however, because this was an unannounced drill, only one person was on scene and the other was unavailable. The lack of additional personnel prompted us to restrict the employee, an older gentleman from dragging out and deploying the boom by himself. We worked this into the drill and the OSRO was able to reach the scene in time to deploy the necessary equipment. Although the OSRO was on scene in time, the facility’s qualified individual found himself a little overwhelmed with running the operation. The qualified individual’s inability to manage the operation greatly contributed to the underutilization of the facility response plan in order to report, prioritize, and properly carry out the response. These deficiencies highlighted the reality that even when someone is experienced in oil responses, and has all required tools and plans readily accessible, an environment must be fostered to utilize these existing plans and a level of proficiency must be maintained.

December 8, 2015


Page 16 of 36

(2) Sector Delaware Bay:


2015 Quarterly PREP Notification Drills.

Each quarter the Sector initiated a Notification Drill. The objectives were as follows: • Ensure contact by telephone or e-mail is made and confirmed between the

CG-FOSC and key elements of the unified command. • Ensure that the key elements of the unified command know whom to call in the

event of a discharge within the area. • Identify procedural improvements to the process.

All objectives were met.

Quarterly

Delaware County, Oil by Rail TTX, PA

On March 12, 2015, Delaware County Local Emergency Planning Committee hosted a table top exercise at Tinicum Township Fire Department to test the county response plans for a domestic rail car oil spill. Lead players included Tinicum Township, Ridley Township, and Eddystone Borough. Sector Delaware Bay participated as a cooperating agency.

March 12, 2015

Neshaminy Creek Boom Deployment Exercise, PA

The Sector was able to support and participate in a boom deployment training exercise conducted by the Delaware Bay and River Cooperative (DBRC) that occurred on April 3, 2015. The Sector’s Contingency Planner and representatives from PADEP helped organize the exercise. The contractor delivered boom and workboats to a staging area at the Neshaminy Creek State Park Marina. The boom was then deployed according to the Sector Delaware Bay ACP to protect the Neshaminy Creek from spills originating in the Delaware River. Additionally, newly drafted boom strategies to contain spills originating from the railroad bridge that crosses the Neshaminy Creek were tested. The strategies were evaluated for effectiveness through tidal changes. Objectives were met.

April 3, 2015

ECM Maritime Services LLC Functional Exercise

On April 08, 2015, ECM Maritime Services LLC conducted an integrated exercise designed to meet the National Preparedness for Response Exercise Program (PREP) exercise requirements in the Delaware River. This exercise also met California drill requirements for ECM. The exercise simulated a worst case discharge response (a vessel’s entire cargo discharges in adverse weather conditions). Sector Delaware Bay provided personnel and exercise support. Objectives were met.

April 08, 2015

ACP Industry Led PREP Full Scale Exercise (FSE).

Eddystone Rail Company (ERC) hosted a 1 day industry-led functional exercise with approximately 60 people participating on October 15, 2015. Delaware Bay and River Cooperative (DBRC) provided key exercise design assistance prior to the exercise and personnel and facilities during the exercise. Precision Planning and Simulations was hired to help design and support the exercise. Sector Delaware Bay Contingency Planning staff members assisted in exercise design and exercise execution. A plausible scenario was developed to test the objectives. The exercise scenario involved a barge being loaded with Bakken Crude Oil. At approximately 0430, alarms sound indicating that there is a possible spill. The facility personnel used their spill procedures and response plans to respond to the alarms. Objectives were met.

October 15, 2015

Government Initiated Unannounced Exercise (GIUE)

GIUE’s test the Facility Response Plan (FRP) notification and response capabilities for an average most probable discharge in accordance with Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 154.1055(b). Having successfully completed the GIUE, the three facilities (Kinder Morgan Liquids Terminals, Meenan Oil Company, and Plains Products Terminals Paulsboro) were able to claim credit for the following exercises as required by 33 CFR § 154.1055:

• Qualified Individual notification exercise • Equipment deployment exercise • Unannounced exercise

Various


Page 17 of 36

(3) Sector Baltimore:



Each quarter the Sector initiated a Notification Drill. The objectives were as follows: 1. Ensure contact by telephone or e-mail is made and confirmed between the

CG-FOSC and key elements of the unified command. 2. Ensure that the key elements of the unified command know whom to call in the

event of a discharge within the area. 3. Identify procedural improvements to the process. Objectives were met

Quarterly

ACP PREP Functional Exercise, 2015

This exercise was conducted on March 11, 2015. Witt O’ Brien, designed an exercise to meet the Preparedness for Response Exercise Program (PREP) requirements. Sector personnel and other government agencies filled various roles. Witt O'Brien's intent was to exercise all PREP Core Components. Objectives were met.

March 11, 2015

Colonial Pipeline TTX, 2015

This exercise was conducted on June 3, 2015. Colonial Pipeline and various agencies in the DC area designed an exercise to meet the Preparedness for Response Exercise Program (PREP) requirements for a fast water booming strategy. Sector personnel IMD and other government agencies filled various roles. Witt O'Brien's intent was to exercise all PREP Core Components. Objectives were met.

June 3, 2015

GRP Verification Exercise, 2015

This exercise was conducted on September 24, 2015 in conjunction with the Area Committee meeting to discuss GRP strategies for an area located in Annapolis, MD.

September 24, 2015

ICS 320 Exercise, 2015

This exercise was conducted October 28-30, 2015. It tested Sector Baltimore’s ability to respond as an Incident Management Team and UC to a type 3 response incident involving a large amount of oil discharged into a major waterway in the DC area. Lessons were learned and objectives were met.

October 28-30, 2015

Raven Power Government Initiated Unannounced Exercise (GIUE), 2015

This exercise was conducted on November 10, 2015. It was a Government Initiated Unannounced Exercise to test the facility’s response to an average most probable discharge. The objectives included the following: conduct notifications as outlined in the Facility Response Plan, assemble a spill management team to conduct a response consistent with the scenario, deploy equipment to contain and recover the spilled product in the vicinity of the dock, conduct communications to manage the response and brief interested parties, and deploy equipment to test ACP protection and diversion strategies. Objectives were met.

November 10, 2015

(4) Sector North Carolina

While Sector North Carolina is part of USCG District 5, their summary information for 2015 was submitted with Region 4 RRT Annual Report. Refer to the RRT4 2015 Annual Report for more details.

(5) Sector Buffalo



Each quarter Sector Buffalo initiated a notification drill with the following objectives: 1. Communication is confirmed between the CG-FOSC and key elements of the

unified command. 2. Ensure that the key elements of the unified command know whom to call in the

event of a discharge within the area. 3. Identify procedural improvements to the process.

Quarterly


Page 18 of 36

Government Initiated Unannounced Exercise (GIUE) Drills, OH

Sector Buffalo and MSU Cleveland conducted six Government Initiated Unannounced Exercises to test the facility’s response to an average most probable discharge. Ohio Environmental Protection representatives participated in Cleveland and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation observed in New York. The objectives included notification procedures as outlined in the Facility Response Plan, assembling a spill management team to conduct a response consistent with the scenario, deploying equipment to contain and recover the spilled product in the vicinity, communications management response, and Oil Spill Response Organization (OSRO) response times and procedures. Five facilities successfully passed GIUE. One facility was unsuccessful, and MSU Cleveland is following up with the facility according to Coast Guard policy.

Various Summer and Fall 2015

CSX/Erie County, NY, RR Derailment, Table Top Exercise (TTX)

This exercise was conducted with members of the Erie County LEPC in summer 2015. This 3-hour TTX involved a derailment of train cars carrying domestic crude oil shipments with the spilled product impacting the Schuylkill River. The objectives of the TTX were to review roles and responsibilities of participating agencies; discuss response actions and strategies; and identify gaps in plans, policies, procedures, and protocols. Objectives were met.

Summer 2015

Enbridge Pipeline Equipment Deployment Drill, Canada

Enbridge Pipeline tested its own response plan in the unlikely event the 12-inch crude oil pipeline under the Niagara River failed. Sector Buffalo interest was primarily to support the exercise and to ensure that Canadian agencies and Enbridge were aware of the GRP for Western NY and its inclusion in the One Great Lakes Area Contingency Plan for Oil Discharge responses. This equipment deployment drill was planned for 8 hours. Enbridge responded with practical drill components (Canadian-based response equipment), moving from Hamilton, Ontario, across the port of entry at Queenstown-Lewiston Bridge at the International border, then to the Upper Niagara River on the U.S. side. This exercise tested the border crossing protocols established by Enbridge with the Canadian Border Agency (CBA) and with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Enbridge aligned with U.S. PREP Guidelines.

August 2015

PREP/D9 DRAT, Tabletop Exercise (TTX)

Exercise evaluators and facilitators were brought in from D9 DRAT to assist in this 6-hour exercise. The operational tabletop/functional exercise comprised a simulated pipeline incident involving petroleum crude oil and the processes necessary to manage this type of incident utilizing local knowledge, skills, and experiences within the local community's Incident Command System. The exercise included the use of National Incident Management System (NIMS).

Not Provided

Akwesasne-Mohawk Tribe TTX and Boom Deployment Drill, NY and Canada

Sector Buffalo, MSU Massena and more than 50 representatives from different tribes from across all of North America (U.S. and Canadian “First Nations”). This was a tribal-led TTX and full scale boom deployment exercise on the Akwesasne-Mohawk Reservation. Sector Buffalo and MSU assisted with evaluating the TTX and deploying protection and a deflection boom during the exercise. Sector Buffalo’s primary involvement was to support local tribal environmental disaster preparedness and improve partnerships. The major success was that the Tribe led the response efforts using Federal equipment and directing St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation work boats.

Not Provided

Beyond the Border TTX, NY

Sector Buffalo/MSU Massena held an 8-hour TTX in fall 2015 in Alexandria Bay, NY, with Federal, State, local, and Canadian stakeholders. Groups were given maritime transportation and pollution challenges that had Federal, State and international consequences. The results of the TTX were used by CG D9 to improve the Beyond the Border Initiative communications and response procedures. The major success was bringing “policy” makers from both sides of the border together with the field responders to have good dialogue on actual responses.

Fall 2015


Page 19 of 36

(6) MSU Pittsburgh


2015 Quarterly PREP Notification Drills, OH

Marine Safety Unit Pittsburgh and Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley Command Center Personnel conducted PREP Notification drills. The objective was to test the notification procedures using the contact list located in the Area Contingency Plan in the event of an actual discharge. Other objectives were to ensure that the response times of the responder and agencies notified were adequate, and that confirmation occurred between the On-Scene Coordinator and Unified Command.

Quarterly April 14, 2015, July 16, 2015, September 28, 2015, November 10, 2015

Marathon Wellsville Industry Initiated PREP Exercise, OH

On April 16, 2015, MSU Pittsburgh participated in an industry initiated pollution response exercise with Marathon Wellsville. It was a table top exercise and involved, Marathon’s tier II Response Team, Ohio EPA, the facility’s OSRO, and Three Rivers Pollution Response Council

April 16, 2015

GIUE at Interstate Chemical, PA

On August 20, 2015, MSU Pittsburgh conducted a Government Initiated Unannounced Exercise (GIUE) at Interstate Chemical. The facility supplied their own response equipment and met all requirements to pass the exercise.

August 20, 2015

GIUE at Mountain State Carbon, WV

On September 22, 2015, MSU Pittsburgh conducted a GIUE at Mountain State Carbon.

September 22, 2015

EPA-Led GIUE at Guttmann Oil Star City, WV

On October 20, 2015, MSU Pittsburgh participated in an EPA led GIUE at Guttman Oil Star City

October 20, 2015

(7) MSU Huntington


Cabell/Wayne County Full Scale Exercise, WV

On June 6, 2015, MSU Huntington participated in Cabell/Wayne Counties’ full-scale exercise in which a CSX train collided with a passenger bus. The exercise simulated both a mass casualty incident and a chemical HAZMAT release. The exercise built community partnerships and response readiness.

June 6, 2015

Marathon Refinery Catlettsburg, KY, Full Scale Exercise and MPC Kenova, WV, Worst-Case Discharge Scenario

On August 20, 2015, MSU Huntington participated in Marathon Refinery Catlettsburg, KY, annual full-scale exercise and MPC Kenova, WV, worst-case discharge scenario. The well-organized event utilized the ICS structure, which enabled participants to manage cleanup efforts, personnel, and equipment. This exercise stressed the effectiveness of using ICS and the benefits of having a cohesive system in place for an actual event.

August 20, 2015

Government Initiated Unannounced Exercise (GIUE) at Fuchs Lubricants, WV

On September 23, 2015, MSU Huntington conducted a GIUE at Fuchs Lubricants in Huntington, WV. The exercise involved a discharge of 2,100 gallons of B300 oil due to a hose rupture on a floating dock. The exercise specifically tested notification procedures at Fuchs Lubricants as well as timely deployment of containment equipment and timely arrival of recovery equipment. Fuchs Lubricants proved successful in all areas of the exercise.

September 23, 2015


Page 20 of 36

4. STATUS OF THE REGIONAL CONTINGENCY PLAN (RCP)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes to revise the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan to align with the Department of Homeland Security National Response Framework (NRF) and National Incident Management System (NIMS). The Regional Contingency Plan (RCP) began the review and update process in 2015, which will continue for promulgation and signature in 2016.

The current RRT III website and the RCP Homepage are linked with the NRT website managed by SRA International, Inc., contractor for the NRT. In November 2015 the RRTs were notified that the NRT website (http://www.rrt3.nrt.org) was being moved to a new environment now being hosted by EPA’s Environmental Response Team (ERT). The new web addresses for the RRT III webpage will be https://nrtqa.ert.org/site/contact_list.aspx?site_id=35.

Additionally, RRT III has updated the RCP “Yellow Pages” to link the RRT III Telephone Directory Annex II. Maintenance of the RCP will continue by a smaller team consisting of the EPA and Coast Guard RRT III Coordinators and the webmaster.

http://www.rrt3.nrt.org/



Page 21 of 36

5. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDED OR PLANS REVIEWED.

a. Region 3 Inland Area Committee (R3IAC): The Region 3 Inland Area Committee (R3IAC) met on May 19, 2015, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and on November 17, 2015, in Charleston, West Virginia. In addition to the in-person meetings, the R3IAC also conducted a conference call on May 7, 2015 and again on September 10, 2015. The RRT III Relationship with the Southeast Regional NBS & Genetics Collaborative (SERC)/AC Workgroup did not meet during 2015. Mr. Rich Fetzer, EPA, Region III is the Committee and Workgroup Chair, and his work number is (215) 341-6307.

b. Coastal Area Committee Accomplishments: (1) Sector Hampton Roads Area Committee

The Sector Hampton Roads Area Committee met on the following dates:

• February 11, 2015 • May 13, 2015 • November 10, 2015

The Sector Hampton Roads Area Committee accomplished the following:

NAME DESCRIPTION

Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA)

In 2015, funding was approved for the Sector to conduct an ERA in 2016. The ERA will be focused on the potential response options to address the various oil products coming into the port via rail, including Bakken Crude, Bitumen, and Dilbit.

ACP/GRP Updates

As a result of the Sector Hampton Roads PREP Exercise 2015, Area Committee members have assembled to participate in Seminars and Tabletop Exercises to review and, if necessary, redesign protection strategies for the environmentally sensitive areas identified in the Area Contingency Plan and update any outdated sections.

(2) Sector Delaware Bay Area Committee

The Sector Delaware Bay Area Committee met on the following dates:

• February 11, 2015 • April 15, 2015 • July 15, 2015 • October 21, 2015


Page 22 of 36

The Sector Delaware Bay Area Committee accomplished the following:

NAME DESCRIPTION

Oil/HAZMAT Response to Rail Risks Planning Project

The Oil/HAZMAT Response to Rail Risks initiative was incorporated into the Area Contingency Plan (ACP) – Geographic Response Plan (GRP) update project. The rail nexus analysis portion of the project is complete. Booming strategies for the 38 critical rail/water nexus areas were approved by the Area Committee Executive Steering Committee. Additionally, an Incident Command System (ICS) Form 204A (Work Assignment) and ICS Form 232 (Resources at Risk) were created for each area and incorporated into the ACP/GRP. The ACP/GRP project is complete and has been presented to the Area Committee for approval. Currently, Sector Delaware Bay Contingency Planning Department is validating the proposed rail/water nexus booming strategies using PISCES II, a computer-based trajectory modeling software program.

Ecological Risk Assessment

CG Sector Delaware Bay recently completed an Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) to study the effects of, and the proper response actions to, discharges of Bakken crude oil and Diluted Bitumen (Dilbit) in the Delaware River and Bay. The final ERA report is posted on Homeport at http://www.uscg.mil/d5/sectDelawareBay/Planning/DELBAY%20CERA%20REPORT%202.15.16%20REDSIZ.pdf.

Major ERA findings include the following: • For Bakken oil—The primary initial strategy is to mitigate flammable vapor safety risks for

both first responders and the public. Air monitoring is critical. o Protective booming strategies (of adjacent areas) should be implemented during

the initial stages of the response.

• For Dilbit—The primary initial strategy is to contain and recover the oil as quickly as possible.

• There are greater long-term ecological risks associated with a Dilbit spill than a Bakken crude oil spill.

• Using firefighting foam in fresh, brackish, and salt water environments will include moderate ecological risks.

Lightering (Transferring cargo between vessels of differing size)

Sector Delaware Bay has chartered an Area Committee workgroup to evaluate and revise the lightering notification form. Currently, select workgroup members are using a beta version of the form. The Lightering MSIB is also being rewritten. The final version will be published once approved.

(3) Sector Baltimore Area Committee

The Sector Baltimore Area Committee met on the following dates:

• February 18, 2015 • March 27, 2015 • June 22, 2015 • September 24, 2015

(4) Sector North Carolina Area Committee

The Sector North Carolina Area Committee met on the following dates:

• March 24, 2015 • June 25, 2015 • August 26, 2015 • October 22, 2015

http://www.uscg.mil/d5/sectDelawareBay/Planning/DELBAY%20CERA%20REPORT%202.15.16%20REDSIZ.pdf

http://www.uscg.mil/d5/sectDelawareBay/Planning/DELBAY%20CERA%20REPORT%202.15.16%20REDSIZ.pdf


Page 23 of 36

(5) Sector Buffalo Area Committee The Sector Buffalo Area Committee accomplished the following:

NAME DESCRIPTION

Saint Lawrence Seaway GRP Committee, NY

Attendees included St Regis Mohawk Akwesasne Environmental Division, St. Lawrence County Emergency Management, Franklin County Emergency Management, and MSD Massena. Akwesasne emergency management presented a proposal to host a table top exercise at the St. Regis Akwesasne Recreation Facility on August 11 followed by a boom deployment drill on August 13th. CG Sector Buffalo and MSU Massena personnel attended and assisted TTX and boom deployment drill.

Western New York GRP Committee

Conducted two GRP meetings with 30 representatives from federal, state, and local agencies. Discussion topics included changes in the GRP, Bakken and Tar Sands Crude, EPA’s effective chemical risk management project, identifying sites for boom deployments/verifications, and a full scale PREP in Cleveland. Identified two boom drill locations in the WNY GRP and conducted exercises in the summer and fall of 2015 as a group. The WNY GRP committee met with State representatives from NY Department of Environmental Conservation to assist them with creating inland GRPs based off of CG GRP design concept. These inland plans will help prepare for potential Bakken Crude rail incidents that may occur across the State of NY along the Erie Canal & Mohawk River corridor.

North West Pennsylvania GRP Committee

Meetings held in Erie, PA with attendees from Parks and Wildlife, Erie County Emergency Management, CG Station Erie and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Preservation. Topics included GRP changes and proposed boom drill exercises for FY17, as well as the identification of new trailers and oil spill response equipment located in Erie County, PA.

North Eastern Ohio GRP Committee

Conducted two GRP meetings with local Federal and State representatives. Discussion topics included full-scale PREP exercise, RNC National Convention and Ohio Flex Viewer Program. The NE Ohio Area Committee requested use of solidifying agent for asbestos mitigation during Good Friday response from RRT 5 per CFR regulations. The solidifying agent use was granted approval by the RRT and proved invaluable to the timeliness of the oil spill cleanup operations.

Lake Ontario GRP Committee, NY

Reviewed environmentally sensitive booming sites and ACP/GRP updates. Sector Buffalo put together a workshop of GRP members to review and, if necessary, redesign protection strategies for the environmentally sensitive areas identified in the Area Contingency Plan through an oil spill boom deployment exercise in FY17.

(6) Sector Ohio Valley – MSU Pittsburgh Area Committee Meeting

The following summarizes the Sector Ohio Valley – MSU Pittsburgh Three Rivers Pollution Response Council Meetings that took place in 2015:

• February 10, 2015 • May 12, 2015 • August 11, 2015

(7) Sector Ohio Valley – MSU Huntington Area Committee Meeting

The following summarizes the Sector Ohio Valley – MSU Huntington Tri-state Response Workgroup Meetings that took place in 2015:

• February 26, 2015 • April 16, 2015


Page 24 of 36

6. TRAINING. a. EPA Training:

EPA OSWER offered the following training in 2015 (POC: Sonia Maldonado – 215-814-3242):

Introduction to Groundwater Investigations January 2015

Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) 40-Hour May 2015

Removal Process for RPMs May 2015

Superfund 101 July 2015

Air Monitoring for Emergency Response July 2015

HAZWOPER 8-Hour Refresher July 2015

Hazard Ranking System August 2015

Preliminary Assessment and Site Inspection Training September 2015

Additional training was conducted for the Region III Inland Sub-Areas. A list of these exercises was not available for this report.

b. U.S. Coast Guard Training: (1) Sector Hampton Roads

ICS 300 Intermediate ICS For Expanding Incidents Training for 30 students (CG)

August 18-21, 2015

ICS 339 Division / Group Supervisor Training for 20 students (CG) September 15-16, 2015

ICS 400 Advanced ICS for Command and General Staff Training for 27 students (CG, Industry, Other Federal agencies, State)

September 17, 2015

ICS Position specific training (Yorktown)

Continuing to send Sector personnel to meet WQSB and IMT Type 3 requirements

Various

HAZWOPER Training Annual training was made available to all Active Duty and Reserve Sector Hampton Roads and Sub-unit personnel. Several class sessions were held and training completed for over 131 members.

Various

(2) Sector Delaware Bay

ICS 300 Intermediate ICS For Expanding Incidents Training for 30 students (CG)

March 24-27, 2015

ICS 320 Incident Management Team Training for 28 students (CG, Industry, Federal agencies, State and Auxiliary)

June 23-25, 2015

ICS 300 Intermediate ICS For Expanding Incidents Training for 28 students (CG, Industry, Federal Agencies, State and Auxiliary)

July 28-31, 2015

ICS 339 Division / Group Supervisor Training for 30 students (CG and Industry)

August 11-23, 2015


Page 25 of 36

ICS 400 Advanced ICS for Command and General Staff Training for 30 students (CG, Industry, Federal agencies, State & Aux.)

August 13, 2015

ICS Position specific training (Yorktown and Petaluma)


Various

HAZWOPER Training Annual training was made available to all Active Duty and Reserve Sector Delaware Bay and Sub-unit personnel. During various dates throughout 2015

Various

(3) Sector Baltimore

SecBalt attended Gallagher Marine QI training January 13, 2015

SecBalt attended DOWCAR Extreme Cold Weather Spill course in Cutbank, MT February 2015

SecBalt IMD and the Port State Control Department attended

OWS bypass overview meeting of frequently received commercial ships given by HQ

March 31, 2015

SecBalt hosted ICS 300 training April 7-10, 2015

Pollution Trailer Deployment, HAZWOPER Training

Sector Baltimore field units have 5 pollution response “first aid” trailers capable of responding to small, local oil spills. At least once annually, the equipment in each trailer is examined, inventoried, and exercised to ensure usability, and to effectively train new personnel. This “break out” of equipment and hands-on training is done in conjunction with Sector Baltimore’s annual field unit HAZWOPER training sessions.

April - December 2015 (Multiple Dates)

SecBalt IMD attended Bakken training hosted by VDEM in Seaford, VA May 7, 2015

SecBalt IMD attended SCAT training in Chincoteague, VA April 20 – May 3, 2015

SecBalt IMD attended RRT III Meeting in Virginia Beach, VA May 18-21, 2015

SecBalt hosted ICS 339-400 May 19-21, 2015

SecBalt IMD attended Sector IMD familiarization training for two local Ocean City, MD LEPC meetings

May 2015

SecBalt IMD attended RRT III Meeting in Charleston, WV November 17-19, 2015

SecBalt hosted IMSS IAP Software Training. December 8-9, 2015

(4) Sector North Carolina

Not provided. Refer to the Region 4 2015 Annual Report for more details.

(5) Sector Buffalo

ICS 339 Division / Group Supervisor Training for 29 students (CG Active and Reserve)

February 6-8, 2015

ICS 300 Intermediate ICS For Expanding Incidents Training for 29students (CG Active and Reserve)

February 6-8, 2015

ICS 400 Advanced ICS for Command and General Staff Training for 29 students (CG Active and Reserve)

February 9, 2015


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ICS 320 Incident Management Team Training (CG Active and Reserve, Industry)

April 23-28, 2015

Radiation Level I Training for 15 students (CG) Not Provided

Radiation Level II Training for 3 students (CG) Not Provided


Continuing to send Sector personnel to meet Watch Quarter and Station Bill (WQSB) and Incident Management Team (IMT) Type 3 requirements

Various

HAZWOPER Training Annual training was made available to all Active Duty and Reserve Sector Buffalo and Sub-unit personnel during various dates in winter 2015-2016.

Winter 2015-2016 Various

(6) Sector Ohio Valley, MSU Pittsburgh

Mineral Oil Spill, Lake Erie

Readiness: In April, 2015, two members from MSU Pittsburgh were deployed to Cleveland, Ohio, and took part in the response efforts for the approximate 10,000 gallon spill of mineral oil in Lake Erie.

April 2015

APEX3508 Readiness: In September, 2015, two members from MSU Pittsburgh were deployed to Paducah, KY, and took part in the APEX3508 response efforts of approximately 150,000 gallon of slurry oil into the Mississippi River

September 2015

(7) Sector Ohio Valley, MSU Huntington

Spill Response Training MSU Huntington personnel attended a two day training spill response training with CSX’s train HAZMAT response team

June 3-5, 2015

IMSS Training MSU personnel attended 4-day Incident Management Software System (IMSS) Training Course hosted by the Response Group

August 17-20, 2015



Various

c. RRT III Meeting Training: One of the methods identified to help Regional Response Team III achieve its mission is to provide training, information, communication, and coordination mechanisms to the Federal On-Scene Coordinators, Unified Commands, and the Area Committees. We want to help our RRT members obtain training and experiences that would help them do their jobs better. We have provided some examples of the training that have been provided to our RRT members in 2015.

Overview of Pipeline Operations and Emergency Preparedness

Gerald Beck and Stan Carpenter (Colonial Pipeline Company) provided the membership with an overview of the Colonial Pipelines day-to-day operations, response capabilities, and coordination / training efforts within the region.

May 2015

Biological and Ecological Resources Found along the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia

Joe Fehrer (The Nature Conservancy) provided training and outreach on the natural resources being maintained by TNC along the Eastern Shore of MD and VA. This training included some recommendations on the need for additional coordination and training within the CG Sectors and EPA.

May 2015


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Remote Sensing Capabilities for Response

Don Toenshoff (MSRC) provided the membership with an overview on the remote sensing capabilities that MSRC can provide under the CG BOA to OSCs.

May 2015

NOAA Maritime Heritage Program and Shipwreck preservation and Research

David Albers (NOAAs Marine Sanctuary Program) provided training on NOAA’s Maritime Heritage Program and the need for their coordination and involvement/interaction when an oil spill could potentially threaten a regulated shipwreck.

May 2015

Executive Order 13650 – Improving Facility Safety and Security

The Tri-chairs, Laura Casillas (EPA), Adam Hamrick (OSHA), and Maj. Garrett (DHS) provided training and update on the status of Region 3’s ongoing activities for the Executive Order

May 2015

November 2015

Region 3 Planning on Crude by Rail

Laura Casillas (EPA) provided a general overview on the planning the EPA Region III has undertaken in an effort to plan for rail transport responses. A booklet was developed on Preparedness Initiatives in Crude by Rail Transport: Federal Resources to Support Crude by Rail Preparedness Initiatives (April 2015) and is available from https://info.publicintelligence.net/DHS-DOT-EPA-CrudeTransportPreparedness.pdf). The document provides a summary of the existing resources for incident planning and response including exercises and training that will enhance preparedness and response across the whole crude by rail transportation community.

November 2015

EPA and District 8 Draft MOU Deborah Lindsay (EPA OSC) provided training on the newly revised Draft Response MOU between EPA Region 3 and the USCG District 8.

November 2015

DOT Final Rule of May 8, 2015: “Hazardous Materials: Enhanced Tank Car Standards and Operational Controls for High-Hazard Flammable Trains (HHFF)

Anthony Murray (DOT/PHMSA) provided training on the New HHFF enhanced Tank Car Standard

November 2015

Overview of Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Natural Resource Damage Assessment Settlement

Frank Csulak (NOAA SSC) provided a presentation and update on the Deepwater Horizon NRDA Settlement.

November 2015

USGS Roles and Capabilities During an Emergency Response

Dr. Holly Weyers, USGS Acting Spill Coordinator, provided an overview of the response capabilities available to the FOSC during a response, and how to access USGS resources.

November 2015




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7. ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES. All personnel changes will be incorporated in the next revision of Annex II of the RCP. A list of the significant RRT3 Standing membership changes includes:

Previously Assigned Appointed in 2015 Position Dave Wright (EPA) Kevin Boyd (EPA) RRT3 Co-Chair

Jerry Heston (EPA) Bonnie Gross (EPA) RRT3 Alternate Co-Chair

Ben Anderson (DE DNREC) Craig Giggleman (USFWS) Wildlife Response Workgroup Chair

Kevin Boyd (EPA) Billy Martin (EPA) Spill Response Countermeasures Workgroup Chair

Kerry Leib (PADEP) Brian Moore (PADEP) PADEP Standing Committee Member

Kevin Augustine (PADEP) Rex Miller (PADEP) PADEP Alternate Standing Committee Member

Gregory Britt (VDEM) Wade Collins (VDEM) VDEM Standing Committee Member

Michael Dorsey (WV DEP) Rusty Joins (WV DEP) WV DEP Standing Committee Member

N/A Beth Lohman (VDEQ) VDEQ Alternate Standing Committee Member

Michael Ganley (USACE) Duban Montoya (USACE) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Christopher Murray (Navy) Alan Kersnick (Navy) United States Navy

Arthur Paul (DEMA) Tony Lee (DEMA) DEMA Delaware Emergency Management Agency Standing Committee Member

Ellen Malenfant (DE DNREC) Jamie Bethard (DE DNREC) DE DNREC Delaware Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control Standing Committee Member


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8. WORKGROUP ACCOMPLISHMENTS. a. Inland Area Committee (IAC):

The Inland Area Committee:

• Developing, maintaining and continue populating the Inland Area Committee Webpage located at https://www.epaosc.org/site/site_profile.aspx?site_id=2037.

• Developed an information sheet for the inland zone on the response to Bakken and Diluted Bitumen Crude Oils that are being transported within Region 3. This fact sheet for LEPCs. The fact sheet has been distributed to the RRT membership, LEPCs, and posted to the RRT IAC website: https://www.epaosc.org/sites/2037/files/2015-04_BakkenCrudePilotStudy-PrelimRpt_Final_4-1-15.pdf.

• As of December 31, 2015, the IAC Plan (IACP) is comprised of 15 volumes: o Volume I is the overall base plan, o Volumes II - IVX are the Sub-Area Contingency Plans (SACPs) for the region.

At present, 12 of the 14 Sub-Area volumes have been promulgated. • The IAC has established an annual update and exercise program to test the components of the

IACP. The first tabletop exercise for the IACP was held on November 17, 2015 in Charleston, WV. An After Action Report is being finalized.

• The IAC has developed the IACP Viewer (also referred to as the EPA Region III OSC Planning Dashboard) that centers on our planning efforts. The Planning Dashboard provides three main functions to the user: 1) mapping function; 2) document function; and 3) contact information. The dashboard can be accessed from: https://www.eparm.net/R3IACP/Default.aspx.

b. Information Management Workgroup: The Information Management Workgroup continues to:

• Update and maintain a POC list for resources for other federal agencies, states, and stakeholders. • Expand outreach contacts and invitations to the RRT meetings to appropriate agencies and

organizations in the geographical area of the meeting locations. • Provide new and updated information on information management resources and related subjects. • The RRT3 Newsletter for Region 3 and Beyond is shared with RRT3 membership on a weekly/bi-

weekly frequency (depending upon currently available news-worthy subject matter).

c. Spill Response Countermeasures Workgroup: The Spill Response Countermeasures Workgroup continues to:

• A new chair for the workgroup has been appointed, Mr. Billy Martin (EPA Region 3). • Review historic RRT guidance documents to be updated or revised. • Provide presentations or training on any current issues/topics that may arise. • Review and assess booming strategies in tidal areas, including rail/water and pipeline/water nexus

points. • Address spill response needs for spilled Bakken and Dilbit rail and vessel casualties – the

differences relative to other oils spilled. • Update/revise Dispersant MOU and incorporate appropriate lessons learned from the Deep Water

Horizon BP Oil Spill Response and any NRT directives/guidance that maybe issued.

https://www.epaosc.org/site/site_profile.aspx?site_id=2037

https://www.epaosc.org/sites/2037/files/2015-04_BakkenCrudePilotStudy-PrelimRpt_Final_4-1-15.pdf

https://www.epaosc.org/sites/2037/files/2015-04_BakkenCrudePilotStudy-PrelimRpt_Final_4-1-15.pdf

https://www.eparm.net/R3IACP/Default.aspx


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d. Training Workgroup: The Training Workgroup:

• Provided opportunities for RRT members to participate in activities that benefit regional and local planning and response to oil, chemical, and other incidents covered by the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan/ National Response Framework (NCP)/NRF. Each RRT meeting provided an excess of the 8 hours of training to address the training required by spill responders and managers under OSHA’s 29 CFR to meet the refresher safety and health annual requirements.

• Queried the membership on topics of importance to maintain relevance of presentations and training opportunities for the 2015-2016 calendar years. This list was used to provide suggestions and guidance by the other workgroup chairs to use for their sessions.

e. Wildlife Response Workgroup: The Wildlife Response Workgroup:

• Has renamed and refocused the “Wildlife” Workgroup to the “Consultation and Natural Resources” Workgroup in order to address more than just wildlife issues was made; specifically to include the Consultations and updates for protected natural resources (wildlife, socioeconomic, archaeological, tribal). This request was accepted by the Executive Committee Membership.

• FWS and NMFS regional response personnel are working with State Co-Trustees to develop area-specific wildlife response guidelines that would contain minimum and more advanced elements from the Best Practices to be included in Area Contingency Plans.

• The Wildlife Response Workgroup offered assistance to the FWS in identifying State Trustee contacts and in reviewing draft guidelines.

• Once the guidelines are complete, the Consultation and Natural Resources Workgroup will promote acceptance and implementation by Area Committees and dissemination to representatives of industry.

• DOI has been assisting in the development of a contact list of Federally-recognized tribal entities that have an interest or reside in Region III. This list is nearing completion and will be incorporated into Regional and Area planning.

f. Outreach Workgroup: The RRT III Outreach Workgroup was inactive at this time and did not meet in 2015.

g. Natural Resource Damage Assessment Workgroup (NRDA): The NRDA Workgroup

• Continue to provide training and presentations on NRDA case histories, and education opportunities to the RRT, industry, and other regional and local agencies to enhance familiarity with NRDA practices.

• Refine existing SCAT training modules, and develop NRDA SCAT training opportunities to assist natural resource agencies/trustees.

• Continue to coordinate incident-specific NRDA emergency restoration activities with wildlife rehabilitation workgroups, trustees, and response agencies.


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• Provide a Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Team (SCAT) methodology training seminar opportunity as needed and requested by the RRT III response community.

h. Executive Committee The Executive Committee continues to:

• Update and transfer the existing RRT III website and the RCP Homepage, to its new web location at https://nrtqa.ert.org/site/contact_list.aspx?site_id=35.

• Reference the EPA Region 3 Dashboard on the RRT III website; incorporate web link into regular meeting notes.

• Schedule, make logistical arrangements, and conduct two RRT meetings (May and November) during the year and two conference calls (February and August).

• Prepare meeting minutes, annual report, and annual work plan. • Periodically review RRT progress against goals in RRT III Strategic Plan; make adjustments as

appropriate. • Approve and utilize the training implementation plan outlining potential training opportunities for

our future RRT meetings in the designated categories: best practices, assessment, response management, spill safety, decision making, and information management.

• Coordinate with tribal interests within the region;



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9. FUTURE PLANS - RRT III MEETINGS: Our 2016 meetings currently scheduled for:

• May 3-5, 2016, in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware; and • November 8-10, 2016, in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

These are the preferred dates but are subject to change based on availability and regional circumstance.


Page 33 of 36

10. RECOMMENDATIONS AND OTHER ACTIONS:

RRT3 co-chairs are going to encourage all Standing Member and Agency participation in all future RRT activities.


Page 34 of 36

11. REMARKS: The new federally-recognized Pamunkey Tribe of Virginia will be included as a federal RRT3 member; the RRT3 Co-chairs will reach out and invite the Tribe to participate in all future RRT3 activities and events.

a. Concurrence:

______________________________________________ __________

KEVIN BOYD, EPA, RRT III CO-CHAIR DATE

______________________________________________ __________

DAVID T. ORMES, USCG, RRT III CO-CHAIR DATE


Page 35 of 36

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

AC Area Command

ACP Area Contingency Plan

AOR Area of Responsibility

BOA Basic Ordering Agreement

CBA Canadian Border Agency

CBP U.S. Customs Border Protection

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CG U.S. Coast Guard

CNRMA Commander, Navy Region Mid-

Atlantic

COG Council of Governments

COTP Captain of the Port

CQI Continuous Quality Improvement

DBRC Delaware Bay and River Cooperative

DE DNREC Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Division of Air and Waste Management

DEMA Delaware Emergency Management Agency

DHS U.S. Department of Homeland Security

DOI U.S. Department of the Interior

DOT U.S. Department of Transportation

DRAT District Response Advisory Team

EO Executive Order

ERA Ecological Risk Assessment

ERC Eddystone Rail Company

ERT Emergency Response Team

FAT Field Activity Team

FOSC Federal On-Scene Coordinator

FPN Federal Project Number

FRP Facility Response Plan FSE Full Scale Exercise

GIUE Government Initiated Unannounced Exercise

GRP Geographic Response Plan

HHFF High-Hazard Flammable

HUREX Hurricane Exercise

IAC Inland Area Contingency

IACP Inland Area Contingency Plan

ICS Incident Command System

IMD Incident Management Division

IMSS IAP Incident Management Software System Incident Action Plan

IMT Incident Management Team

IMD Incident Management Division

JFHQ-NCR Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region

LEPC Local Emergency Planning Committee

MDE Maryland Department of the Environment

MSU Marine Safety Unit

NCP National Oil and Hazardous Substance Pollution Contingency Plan

NRF National Response Framework

OPA Oil Pollution Act

OSC On Scene Coordinator

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSLTF Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund

OSRO Oil Spill Response Organization

OWS Oily Water Separator

PADEP Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

PCB Polychlorinated biphenyl

PHMSA Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration


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LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS (CONTINUED)

PR Pollution Responder

PREP Preparedness for Response Exercise Program

PRP Potentially Responsible Party

RCP Regional Contingency Plan

RNC Republican National Convention

RP Responsible Party

RRT Regional Response Team

SCAT Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Team

SERC/AC Southeast Regional NBS & Genetics Collaborative/Atlantic Coast

SOG Standard Operating Guide

SSC Scientific Support Coordinator

TCE Trichloroethylene

TNC The Nature Conservancy

TRPRC Three Rivers Pollution Response Council

TTX Tabletop Exercise

UC Unified Command

UCI Union Cycliste Internationale

USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

VDEM Virginia Department of Environmental Management

VDEQ Virginia Department of Environmental Quality

VDH Virginia Department of Health

VOC Volatile Organic Compound

WQSB Watch Quarter and Station Bill

WVDEP West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection

Documents

REGION III REGIONAL RESPONSE TEAM ANNUAL · PDF filea. RRT III Meetings: ... b. Coast Guard Incidents: ... EPA Region III has recognized the Pamunkey Indian Tribe (of Virginia) as